Name: Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 acorn squash (small to medium sized); ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried oregano

There’s something deeply comforting about the warm, nutty flavors of roasted squash, especially when it’s paired with a crispy, cheesy topping. This Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe turns simple ingredients into a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s as cozy as it is elegant. Trust me, it’s worth making not just for fall, but any time you want a side that feels special but is easy to pull off.

A white plate holds about ten slices of roasted acorn squash, each slice shaped like a thick crescent with a rough dark green edge and a bright yellow-orange inside. The squash pieces have a light crispy texture on top and small bits of melted cheese or seasoning visible, with black pepper and tiny green herb flakes sprinkled over everything. The squash slices overlap slightly in a loose arrangement, and a shiny silver fork rests on the left side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became one of my fall favorites because it blends sweet, tender acorn squash with a savory, herby parmesan crust that crisps up perfectly in the oven. It’s really about that combination of textures and flavors that makes it feel special while staying super approachable.

Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and a couple of squash to make a gorgeous side dish.
Effortless Preparation: Minimal chopping and mixing means less fuss without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect Texture: Roasting softens the squash while the parmesan topping crisps up delightfully.
Versatile Side: It pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to vegan main dishes.

The image shows a metal baking tray with ten pieces of baked squash arranged in a scattered layout. Each piece is curved, with a golden brown color on the inside and a darker green skin edge, showing a slightly crispy and roasted texture with small black specks of seasoning. The squash pieces have uneven, wavy edges and some small bits of browned seasoning are scattered on the tray. The tray rests on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partially visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe plays a key role. The olive oil helps everything roast evenly and develop a golden color. Parmesan gives the dish a savory bite and crispy topping, while the dried herbs add aromatic layers without overpowering the squash's natural sweetness.

Flat lay of two small to medium fresh acorn squash, one sliced open showing vibrant orange flesh and seeds removed, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl heaped with finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding golden garlic powder, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt, three small white bowls each containing dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano leaves arranged symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Acorn Squash: Choose small to medium-sized squash for tender slices that roast evenly. Look for firm skin and a vibrant green exterior.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This oil brings rich flavor and helps the parmesan and herbs stick to the squash.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts well and crisps into a savory crust.
Garlic Powder: Adds gentle, mellow garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic during roasting.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and balances the herbs and cheese.
Dried Basil, Thyme & Oregano: These classic herbs bring warm, earthy, and slightly floral notes that complement the squash’s richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often tweak this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe depending on what’s in my herb garden or pantry. Sometimes I swap in fresh rosemary or sage instead of dried herbs for a more robust flavor. It’s makes it feel like the dish is yours, every time you make it.

Variation: When I want a bit of sweetness, I drizzle a little maple syrup over the squash slices before roasting—it adds a lovely caramelized finish that my family adores.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to roasted squash with golden, crisp edges. Next, slice off the top and bottom of each acorn squash so they sit flat—this makes it safer and easier to slice in half. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon, then slice each half into 1-inch thick pieces. I like using a sharp, sturdy knife here to avoid slipping.

Step 2: Toss With Flavor

Place all your squash slices in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, basil, thyme, and oregano. Now, this is the fun part—get your hands in there and toss everything together until each slice is well coated. The parmesan will help cling to the surface of the squash, locking in flavor during roasting.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and arrange your squash slices in a single layer. If some of the parmesan mixture is still in the bowl, press it gently onto the tops of the slices—the more crust, the better! Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes, watching for tender flesh and lightly golden, crispy tops. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the squash with a fork and the cheese is bubbling and browned.

Top Tip

Over the years of roasting squash, I've learned a few tricks that really make this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe shine and keep you from any kitchen headaches.

Sharp Knife Safety: Always slice off the ends of the squash first to create a stable base—this keeps the squash from rolling while cutting.
Even Sizing: I make sure all the slices are about the same thickness; this way, they roast evenly and none are undercooked or too crisp.
Herb Blend Balance: I stick to dried herbs in this recipe because they hold up better to oven heat, but if you want fresh, add them near the end to keep their bright flavor.
Don't Overcrowd: Arrange your slices without overlap, so they roast instead of steam—that’s how you get that irresistible golden crust.

How to Serve Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Parmesan Herb Acorn Squash - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping finished slices with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper to brighten the dish right before serving. Sometimes a scattering of toasted pine nuts adds a lovely crunch that’s a nice contrast to the tender squash.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork, but I’ve also served it alongside quinoa salads or braised greens for a vegetarian-friendly meal. During holiday dinners, it complements turkey and mashed potatoes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ll roast the squash in half-moon shapes and arrange them in a fan on a serving platter, drizzled with a bit of balsamic glaze for contrast. It always feels festive and gets lots of compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roasted acorn squash stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find that keeping the parmesan topping intact helps maintain flavor, and reheated slices still taste great as a quick addition to lunch or dinner.

Freezing

While I usually prefer fresh, you can freeze the roasted squash slices. Just cool them completely, then layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy parmesan crust and warm the tender squash evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture crisp and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

Yes! While acorn squash has a perfect balance of sweetness and texture for this recipe, you can substitute delicata or kabocha squash. Just adjust cooking time as needed since different squash types can vary in firmness.

Why use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Dried herbs retain their flavor and stand up better to the roasting process without burning. If you prefer fresh herbs, add them after roasting to keep their brightness and avoid bitterness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the parmesan cheese for a vegan parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to get a similar cheesy flavor while keeping the dish plant-based and delicious.

What’s the best way to prevent the squash from getting soggy?

Make sure to cut your squash slices evenly and give them enough space on the tray to roast rather than steam. Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe enough—it's one of those dishes that feels both homey and impressive, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday tables alike. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, savoring the cozy flavors and easy preparation as much as I do. It’s like a little hug on a plate.